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17 Best Dog Rescues In The North East (2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In North East

The love you have for canines is unmatched…

And so, you’ve been thinking of helping out in dog rescues.

But it’s time-consuming to search for the most dependable one that satisfies your cause.

Well then, let me hand you the best ones in the North East.

Continue reading to discover:

  • 17 best dog rescues in the North East.
  • All services and contact information of each dog rescue shelter.
  • And many more…

Each shelter is carefully researched through Google maps.

I based my suggestions below on the Local Guide’s feedback. Those are truthful opinions formed by dependable experiences.

But, doing this kind of research is extensive. That’s why it can take so much time.

And so, I provide you with this detailed list of the best dog rescues in the North East. Here, you can simply find the information you need at a glance.

Disclaimer: Every rating and review is accurate to the day of writing. But, it’s subject to change.


17 best dog rescues in the North East


#1: Dogs Trust Darlington

First on the recommendation list is the most-reviewed rescue shelter.

Moreover, Dogs Trust is a large and credible animal welfare charity…

Having been of service since 1891, they’ve earned every milestone before them.

Today, they’re the leading rescue charity across the UK. 

Moreover, they have 21 centers dedicated to rescues.

And the most-suggested one in the North East is their Darlington center.

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 756

Contact details

Website: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/darlington/ 

Address: Hill House Farm, Hill House Ln, Sadberge, Darlington DL2 1SL, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 0303 003 0000

Phone lines opening hours

Weekdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Weekends and holidays: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Opening hours

They’re open every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Services

Adopt

Many dogs arrive at each Dogs Trust center all the time.

That’s why they have a lot of canines available for adoption.

To learn about their rehoming process, click here.

Visiting and guided tours

Every Dogs Trust center is open for visiting during their open hours,

There, you could walk around the center. Then, you can also greet their rescue dogs.

Now, they also offer guided tours.

In that, you won’t just pay the center a visit. You’ll also see how their system works and learn more about them.

To book a tour, contact their SR Officer Gordon:

Phone: 01325 335952

Email: gordon.norrie@dogstrust.org.uk 

Support them

Volunteer

Are you interested in being a volunteer? Find out what role you can fill in their list of vacancies.

Foster

Not set on adopting a dog yet? How ’bout giving a rescue a loving home, even temporarily? Here’s how to foster a dog.

Sponsor

So, you can’t adopt and even foster just yet. 

Don’t worry as that’s fine…

You can sponsor a rescue instead.

Donate

Dogs Trust wouldn’t make it this far if it weren’t for their donors’ generosity. Here’s how to donate.

#2: Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 703

Contact details

Website: http://www.dogandcatshelter.com/ 

Address: Benton North Farm Cottage, Benton Ln, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EH, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +441912150435

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Take a look at their rescue dogs for adoption. 

If one captures your heart, just click on their profile to see more details. You’ll also come across the button where you can submit your application.

Read more about their rehoming process.

Support them

Donate

Find out how you can make a donation here.

Shop

Support their cause by buying their lovely merchandise. Browse their online shop here.

Amazon wishlist

Lend them a hand on getting their needed supplies. You can do so by purchasing something from their Amazon wishlist.

#3: Brysons Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 371

Contact details

Website: http://www.brysons.org.uk/ 

Address: Galloping Green Rd, Gateshead NE9 7XA, UK (Google maps)

Phone:  0191 487 5858

Email: info@brysons.org.uk 

Social media presence

Services

Rehoming

Read about their rehoming process. To see their dogs, click here.

Support them

Volunteer

Submit this form if you wanna apply to be a volunteer.

Donate

They’ll appreciate any kind of donation. May it be monetary or in-kind, they’ll be glad to receive it.

Learn more about their donation details.

#4: Stray Aid Ltd

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 302

Contact details

Website: http://www.strayaid.org.uk/ 

Address: Stray Aid Dogs & Cats Home, Coxhoe, Durham DH6 4EL, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0300 999 4247

Email: reception@strayaid.org.uk 

Social media presence

Services

Rehoming

It’s important to read about their rehoming process first.

Plus, you’ll also see rescues up for adoption.

Note: That’s the only way to see the rescues for now. The shelter reminds people not to arrive at their center without an appointment.

Find your dog

They have a page dedicated to helping stray dogs reunite with their parents. 

Support them

Charity shops

Visit their charity shop that raises funds for the rescues. 

Here are the addresses of their many physical stores. You can also shop online.

Donate

Find out how you can donate to their cause.

Volunteer

Learn more about the volunteer experience that might be waiting for you.

#5: Deerness Kennels

Deerness Kennels

Rating: 4.3

Reviews: 242

Contact details

Website: https://www.deernesskennels.co.uk/rehoming.htm 

Address: Mill Rd, Langley Moor, Durham DH7 8HF, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0191 378 0439

Email: info@strayaction.com 

Services

Adopt

Click here to see their gallery of adoptables.

To know more about their rehoming process, go to this link.

Boarding kennels

They also offer boarding services for canines.

Learn more about their services, rates, and requirements.

Support them

To find their donation details, kindly scroll down their homepage.

#6: Maxi’s Mates Rescue & Rehoming Centre

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 228

Contact details

Website: http://maxismates.org.uk/ 

Address: Carlin Howe Farm, Dunsdale TS14 6RG, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +447507104636

Email: maxismates@gmail.com 

Services

Adopt

Warm your heart by looking at these dogs that are eager to be rehomed.

If you wanna adopt one, get in touch using the given contact information.

Ways to help

Volunteer

Read about their volunteers and their experiences.

Are you keen on becoming a volunteer yourself? Then don’t hesitate to contact them.

Donate

Find out how you can donate here.

#7: RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre

RSPCA is another large welfare charity.

They’ve been the voice for animals for almost 200 years now.

Now, they have over 150 branches across England and Wales.  Moreover, they also work with other international welfare charities.

That aside, let’s focus on their branches around the North East…

The leading one is the Felledge Animal Centre.

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 151

Contact details

Website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/felledge-animal-centre/ 

Address: Waldridge Ln, Chester Moor, Chester-le-Street DH2 3BF, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0300 123 0708

Report animal cruelty

As I said, RSPCA is widespread across England. Moreover, they have a rich history before them.

Today, they continue their fight against animal cruelty.

That’s why they set up a hotline dedicated to the poor animals.

If you see any acts of animal cruelty or any in distress, contact:

Phone: 0300 1234 999

Services

Adopt

See their list of adoptables here. A little scroll on that page also leads you to information about their rehoming process.

#8: Saltburn Animal Rescue Association

Ratings: 4.6

Reviews: 119

Contact details

Website: http://s-a-r-a.org.uk/ 

Address: Kirkleatham Ln, Redcar TS10 5NJ, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 01642 488108

To send them a message, fill out this page.

And for updates, you can also follow their Facebook page.

Services

Adopt

Thinking of adopting a pooch? Check out this list of considerations before adopting a dog.

Once you’re really sure, take a look at their rescues eager to be adopted. And to take one home, apply here.

Ways to help

Volunteer

See their volunteer expectations and roles on this page.

Donate

All kinds of donations are well-appreciated. Make your donation here.

Membership

Become a member and enjoy the benefits. But most of all, help a greater cause.

#9: Pawz For Thought

Ratings: 4.5

Reviews: 88

Contact details

Website: http://www.pawzforthought.org/ 

Address: 170 Fulwell Rd, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9QT, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +447718771591

Kindly fill out this form to send them a message.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Adoption fee: £130

Regularly check this page to see canines up for adoption.

As of writing, there are no dogs ready yet.

So, for now, you can learn more about their adoption procedure.

Support them

Amazon wishlist

Help them complete their needed supplies by buying something off their Amazon wishlist.

Donate

Find out their donation details here.

#10: RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre

RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 87

Contact details

Website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/local/-/rspca/great-ayton-animal-centre 

Address: Yarm Ln, Great Ayton, Middlesbrough TS9 6QB, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +443001230743

Email: greatayton@rspca.org.uk 

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Take a look at their adoptables here. On the same link, you’ll also find other rehoming information.

How you can help

Volunteer

Got some spare time? You can try spending time volunteering for animals.

Donate

Help them out by making a donation. Check out this page for everything you need to know.

Amazon wishlist

The animals will be grateful for anything that you buy off their wishlist.

#11: NASSL Animal Welfare

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 59

Contact details

Website: https://nassl.co.uk/ 

Mailing address: NASSL, PO BOX 42, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham DL5 5JA

Phone: 01325 321 855 or 07748 268 822

Email: nassl@nassl.org.uk 

Services

Adopt

Adoption fee: £85

Provide a rescue with a permanent loving home.

Visit their Facebook page to see their rescues.

Read more about their rehoming service.

Support them

Find out how you can help NASSL with their cause.

#12: Whitby Dog Rescue

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 27

Contact details

Website: http://www.whitbydogrescue.com/ 

Address: Church House, Flowergate, Whitby YO21 3BA, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +441947600190

Email: enquiries@whitbydogrescue.com 

Services

Adopt

Prepare to answer these questions before adopting a dog.

Once decided, check out these links to see their rescues. 

How to help

Find out how you can support the rescues here.

Donate

Go to this page to learn how you can donate.

#13: Tendercare Boarding Kennels and Cattery

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 26

Contact details

Website: http://www.tendercare-boarding.co.uk/ 

Address: 2, Coronation House, Hangingstone Ln, Annfield Plain, Stanley DH9 8PQ, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 01207 782417 or 07982 005429

You can also submit this contact form to send them a message.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Meet their rescue dogs here. If you wanna adopt one, just send them a message or give ’em a ring.

Boarding

Their main service is boarding dogs. To learn more, click here.

Daycare

They also offer daycare services for puppers. Read more about it on this page.

#14: Animal Krackers

Rating: 3.6

Reviews: 22

Contact details

Website: http://www.animalkrackers.co.uk/ 

Address: 39 Windsor Ter, Sunderland SR2 9QF, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +441915641812

Email: animalkrackerscharity@gmail.com 

You can also follow them on their Facebook page.

Services

Adopt

Adoption fee: Minimum of £100

See their dogs for rehoming on this page.

For more information, read their policies on adoption.

How to help

Find out how you can lend ’em a hand on this link.

Foster

Take care of a rescue, even temporarily. Apply to be a foster parent.

#15: Westie Rescue UK

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 19

Contact details

Website: http://www.westierescueuk.org.uk/ 

Address: 16 Silverdale Rd, Cramlington NE23 3LW, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +441670737249

Email: admin@westierescueuk.org.uk 

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Looking for a Westie to adopt? Well, take a look at this page and maybe you’ll find your future fur baby.

If you’re interested, learn more about their adoption procedure.

Support them

Donate

Go to this page to donate to WRUK.

Foster

Staying with a foster parent helps the staff assess the dog.

In a home environment, the temperament and health of the rescue will manifest better.

With that, the shelter gains more info about the pooch. Then, they get to share such knowledge with the future dog parent.

Read more about foster parenting here. That’s also the same link where you can apply.

Transport

Got time and gas? Help them rehome westies nationwide by providing transport. Click here to learn more.

#16: St Francis Animal Rescue

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 11

Contact details

Website: http://www.stfrancisanimalrescue.co.uk/ 

Address: 266 Stanhope Rd, South Shields NE33 4TA, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441914202736

Email: info@stfrancisanimalrescue.co.uk 

Services

Adopt

View their animals up for adoption. Regularly check it out for updates on the rescues.

Lost and found

See the strays they take in that might be someone’s lost fur baby.

Support them

Read this page to find out how you can help them.

#17: Save Our Strays

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 6

Contact details

Website: http://www.saveourstrays.org.uk/ 

Address: 20 St Germain’s Ln, Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar TS11 7LH, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441642488667

Email: saveourstrays@hotmail.co.uk 

Phone operating hours

Please only call them between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Services

Adopt

Meet their rescue dogs that are ready to be rehomed. Click here to be redirected to their profiles.

As for their adoption process, learn more about it here.

Support them

Proceed to this page to find out ways to help them out.

Volunteer

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Don’t hesitate to contact them on the contact details provided.